OK, I'm not really the retiree, it's my mom. We've been working on reallocation of her IRA portfolio, from which she's been taking distributions for several years.

I'm a practicing long-term, buy-&-hold investor, but it strikes me that my mom's need to have access to these funds is much more immediate than my own. I told her that she needs to be more invested in stocks than she is today, but the spectre of a prolonged stock market slump as she approaches her 80's has me spooked. I find myself second-guessing my own advice.

I've been trying to get beyond the rote allocations and one-size-fits-all advice one gets from the calculators that are commonplace on the Web & investment company retirement info packets. I'm looking for something more insightful. As usual, my first instinct is to scour the Fool for insight & common sense, perhaps a nice essay or two. I'm having a hard time finding such. And, much as I've enjoyed scanning this board, I can't really see myself having the patience to click back through all the postings here, most of which are not on point with my burning question, just to find a couple of pearls.

Anybody know where I can find what I need, preferably without having to leave the comfort of my own computer (though a library visit isn't out of the question)?

Announcements

Foolanthropy 2014!
By working with young, first-time moms, Nurse-Family Partnership is able to truly change lives – for generations to come.

When Life Gives You Lemons
We all have had hardships and made poor decisions. The important thing is how we respond and grow. Read the story of a Fool who started from nothing, and looks to gain everything.

Work for Fools?
Winner of the Washingtonian great places to work, and Glassdoor #1 Company to Work For 2015! Have access to all of TMF's online and email products for FREE, and be paid for your contributions to TMF! Click the link and start your Fool career.